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16 Sports Oakville Beaver SPORTS EDITOR:JONKUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012 Late-season struggles have Blades coach concerned points behind the division-leading Georgetown Raiders (37-9-1), and 15 points ahead of the third-place Sabres BEAVER SPORTS EDITOR (23-19-5). That might explain some recent complacency, but Moore Perhaps it's looking ahead in anticipation of the playoffs, or maybe it's the fact that they can't possibly move either up is determined to rectify that. After the Blades close out the regular season this weekend, or down in the standings. Moore is planning some rigorWhatever the reason, the Oakville Blades "It`s always a concern ous practices for the week-long are stumbling down the home stretch of the when you drop (four of stretch that Oakville will be off Ontario Junior Hockey League season. five) heading into the with a first-round playoff bye. A 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Jr. playoffs. I think "We'll probably go harder Sabres Tuesday in Buffalo marked the Blades' than ever before," the coach third straight loss, and fourth in their past five sometimes our kids get said. "More intensity and focus contests. Oakville, which has been outscored looking too far in on assignments. We'll focus on 14-4 in its last three games, will close out the advance." what we do best." regular season this weekend with games Ashton Anderson and Martin Kudla scored against the Burlington Cougars and Brampton Oakville Blades head coach in Tuesday's loss for the Blades, who were Capitals. Matt Moore outshot 42-25 on the night. Kyle Blaney had "It's always a concern when you drop (four Oakville's lone marker in a 3-1 loss to the of five) heading into the playoffs," Blades head coach Matt Moore said Tuesday. "I think sometimes our kids Aurora Tigers Sunday afternoon at Sixteen Mile Sports get looking too far in advance. They want to start competing Complex, when Aurora outshot the Blades 38-24. (in the playoffs)." Fan appreciation night tomorrow Oakville (30-11-6) has been locked into second place in Oakville will play its final home game of the regular the West Division since last weekend. The Blades are nine By Jon Kuiperij season tomorrow (Friday) against Brampton, a 7:30 p.m. start at Sixteen Mile. Special plans for the evening include honouring the team's senior graduating players, a cheque presentation to the Canadian Cancer Society for nearly $12,000 raised by the recent Pink in the Rink event, and intermission entertainment as part of fan appreciation night. The Oakville Speed Skating Club will hold a demonstration during the first intermission, while a `Battle of the Mascots' hockey game during the second intermission will feature Blades mascot Bandit, Toronto Maple Leafs mascot Carlton the Bear, Toronto Argonauts mascot Jason, Toronto Rock mascot Iggy and other area mascots. Goalies for the event will be provided by the Oakville bantam BB Hornets girls' squad. The Blades then visit the Cougars the following evening. Oakville likely won't begin the second round of the playoffs until Feb. 21. -- Jon Kuiperij can be followed on Twitter at @Beaversports Lacrosse association working to accommodate growth Improvements to the boys' field lacrosse program are just one way the Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association (OMHLA) is preparing for as many as 1,000 registrants this upcoming season. This year's boys' field lacrosse program will feature separate and dedicated coaching staffs for each team. Arrangements are also being made for access to indoor training, assuring the teams of practice time regardless of unpredictable spring weather and field conditions. In addition, Oakville will host the newlyrevived Zone 10 box lacrosse championships at the end of July. "This is a great vote of confidence in our association," said OMLA president Mike Varanesi, adding that the old zone championships had fallen by the wayside because of a lack of commitment from hosts. Teams from Newmarket, Mimico, Halton Hills, Orangeville, Milton, Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon will travel to Oakville for the Zone 10 tournament. The OMLA's girls' lacrosse program will also host a province-wide event in June. Registration for the Lady Hawks program is projected to reach 200 players, which would be a 60 per cent increase from last season. Indoors, Oakville's boys' box house league program has developed into a well-respected feeder system for the Hawks' rep clubs, which have recently excelled at the provincial level. Three OMLA alumni (Tyler Albrecht, Brian Cole and Brennan Donville) were recently named to the under-19 national lacrosse team. And on the administration side, the OMLA is presenting a new constitution to its members this year for approval, part of the association's effort to better define its mandate and ensure accountability to its member families. The association is in need of more volunteers to serve as house league coaches and conveners, schedulers, helpers for the weekend-long Brian Kruse Memorial Tournament in June, and picture day co-ordinators. Registration for the upcoming season has been extended in order to accommodate this year's increased demand. The final registration date for the 2012 season will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 at Oakville Town Hall, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Trafalgar Room. For further information on registration, contact the registrar through the Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association website at www. oakvillelacrosse.com. Anyone interested in volunteering assistance for the 2012 season is invited to log onto www.oakvillelacrosse.com and contact the appropriate executive member. Oakville MINOR FOOTBALL rsity Titans 2010 Junior Va Our next registration date is Feb. 19th from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, and will be held at Boston Pizza on Dorval Drive and North Service Road in Oakville. THE REGISTRATION FOR 2012 AGE GROUPS Register on-line at www.oakvillegridiron.com and pay through PayPal Follow us on Twitter @oakvilletitans and on Facebook Junior Varsity U17 ........................ 1996 & 1997 ATOM U11 2000-2001 Bantam U15 ................................ 1998 & 1999 PEE WEE U13 1999-1998 PeeWee U13 ............................... 2000 & 2001 Flag Football ..................................... Ages 5-12 BANTAM U15 1997-1996